The Samsung Series 7 Chronos is an update to a pro-end machine that arrived in 2011. It's a 15.6-inch display computer with a number pad at the end of the keyboard and RAM Accelerator software, designed to provide a 150 per cent speed boost to the already meaty quad-core Core i7 CPU, 2GB AMD-dedicated graphics card and 8GB RAM combo. There's also a 1TB HDD tucked into its aluminium frame.

In the flesh and the well-built laptop is fairly large, mainly down to that 15.6-inch, but isn't that heavy, nor that thick - the design tapers to a tip somewhat but not as much as the MacBook Air, for example.

Understanding that it is large, Samsung has done all it can to maximise the space. Instead of speakers either side of the keyboard, the keyboard runs the width the screen. The keys aren't bigger, you just get a dedicated numberpad instead - very lavish. Accountants and number crunchers will no doubt welcome the move.

We also like the Windows 8 key with the glowing logo. Pointless, but sometimes it's the simple things.

Weight is good, it's not too heavy, and the 300-nit Full HD 10-point touch-sensitive screen is very good too, with Windows 8 minimalistic design shouting out loud and clear. Swiping is easy, although we don't like the smudges.

We loaded a couple of apps in our brief play and while we aren't going to say that's enough for us to mark the performance, our first gut feeling is that the Chronos is as responsive as you would want it to be.

Sadly we were unable to test out the JBL speakers - we tried but it was just too noisy on the show floor. Nor can we vouch for the 11-hour battery life - we're dedicated, but not that dedicated.